Synonym Chooser

How is the word loyal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of loyal are constant, faithful, resolute, staunch, and steadfast. While all these words mean "firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance," loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

When is constant a more appropriate choice than loyal?

The meanings of constant and loyal largely overlap; however, constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

When can faithful be used instead of loyal?

Although the words faithful and loyal have much in common, faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

When would resolute be a good substitute for loyal?

The synonyms resolute and loyal are sometimes interchangeable, but resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

When is it sensible to use staunch instead of loyal?

While the synonyms staunch and loyal are close in meaning, staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

Where would steadfast be a reasonable alternative to loyal?

While in some cases nearly identical to loyal, steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loyal Trump has repeatedly attacked DeSantis for being insufficiently loyal. Ivana Saric, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024 Insurgents led by Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured four more towns on Tuesday, opposition activists cited by the Associated Press said, although forces loyal to Assad retook some territory too. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 This means someone who is loyal, friendly, energetic, and optimistic. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024 The very best gifts for Taylor Swift fans go far beyond concert merch and friendship bracelets that the most loyal fans already own. Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loyal 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loyal
Adjective
  • His refusal to take his daughters seriously—which stems from his steadfast commitment to his own beliefs—leads them to mistrust him in turn, creating a grim, seemingly unbreakable cycle.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024
  • In The Ride of a Lifetime, Iger recounts facing political tensions in China and creative conflicts with George Lucas, requiring steadfast composure, patience, stamina, and strategic thinking.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Despite his legal setbacks, Navarro remains a staunch Trump ally and a vocal critic of U.S.-China trade policies.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The comments, published in 2023 biography of Romney, were sparked by Vance's transformation from a Trump critic to a staunch supporter.
    Zac Anderson, The Enquirer, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The latest advance marks a victory lap for XRP’s most vocal supporters, who have remained faithful over the years even during Ripple’s battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Wilson’s work has been adapted several times since the premiere of his first Century Cycle play, and many of the newer works have stayed largely faithful to his vision, even after Wilson’s death (and that of his creative partner, the director Lloyd Richards).
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • My best friend fell in love with a devout Catholic.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Hamoudi’s sister is a devout Muslim and a supporter of Hezbollah.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • This is true of baking, and even more so of risotto.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
  • This philosophy ensures that the brand remains true to its core values while continuously exploring future development opportunities.
    Fairchild Studio, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But absent a dedicated desire to solve them, they could be viewed as tediously boring compared to leading the nation on sweeping national issues and global diplomacy.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The attention to detail continues after arrival, with orientation and activities beginning right away, plus an amazingly friendly, dedicated and helpful staff—roughly 400 employees, many of them from multi-generational families working here.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Rexhepi is a devoted student of watchmaking history — the books, magazines, catalogs, and monographs that line the shelves and bookcases of his atelier offer the first clue.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Located just a few steps away from the Plaza de San Diego, this polished hotel serves as a testament to the rich history of the city, operating within a 17th-century structure that was once home to a devoted group of Clarissine nuns.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near loyal

Cite this Entry

“Loyal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loyal. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on loyal

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